hot cross buns
The aroma of baking bread, with cinnamon and nutmeg, brings pleasure, and just out of the oven with or without butter, they satisfy and melt in your mouth! My cousin, Don, provided this yummy recipe which easily makes 24 buns. My husband came home while I was making these, and he said "I'll be back for those when they're ready!" The chopped candied fruit adds a different flavor which is also so delicious. MY FAVORITE EASTER RECIPE!
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Hot Cross Buns are a traditional Easter roll. This recipe made the Test Kitchen smell amazing. Once baked, the outside is crusty and the inside is light and fluffy. The balance of spices is perfect with the right amount of cinnamon. Raisins add just the right amount of sweetness. Candied fruit would be delicious too if you opt to use that. The cross of icing makes these rolls pretty and gives them a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
- 4 3/4 - 5 cups all-purpose flour (enough flour so the dough pulls from the side of the bowl and can be kneaded)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 packages active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup butter or margerine
- 3 - eggs
- 1 cup raisins (or you decide the amount)
- 8 ounces mixed dried candied fruit (optional: use instead of raisins)
- EGG WASH
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water (mix water and egg together)
- FROSTING
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How To Make hot cross buns
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Step 1Combine: 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and yeast. -
Step 2Heat milk, water, and butter or margarine (until hot @130 degrees or so). Add to dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon beat for 2 minutes.
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Step 3Stir in beaten eggs and blend well.
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Step 4Add enough flour to make a soft dough. I used a DOUGH HOOK and a stand mixer for this. Add flour until it is not sticky but can be pulled from the dough hook leaving it clean (see Note #1)! This is when you decide to use 4 3/4 cups flour or as much as 5 cups flour.
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Step 5Knead 6-8 minutes.
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Step 6Add the raisins or candied fruit, kneading to mix in evenly.
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Step 7Place dough in an oiled bowl. Cover. Let it rest until dough rises (mine took about 1 hour).
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Step 8Once the dough has doubled in size, punch down dough.
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Step 9Divide into 18-24 balls. I used a greased ice cream scoop to measure equal amounts. Put on greased sheets or in 8" pans about 1" apart. Cover and let them rise (mine took about the same amount of time as the first resting). The balls will roughly double in size.
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Step 10Once the rolls have doubled in size brush each one with a little egg wash.
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Step 11Place in a preheated 375 degree oven. Bake for about 20 minutes. When nicely browned let cool on a rack.
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Step 12Once the rolls are cool, mix frosting to desired consistency.
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Step 13Using a piping bag or resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off, make a cross on each roll.
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Step 14Note #1: My cousin said NOT TO USE AN ELECTRIC BEATER as the batter climbs the beaters!
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
